OTTSTOWN, Pa. — A tense standoff in Pottstown on Sunday evening ended with the death of a 25-year-old man and injuries to a police officer, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident began around 5:00 p.m. on April 6, when Pottstown Police responded to a vehicle crash near the intersection of Beech and North Mount Vernon streets. At the scene, the driver—later identified as Andrew Jackson Ecker—allegedly attempted to reach for a .22 caliber firearm before fleeing on foot to his nearby residence on Winding Road.
Officers pursued Ecker, and upon arrival at his home, he reportedly opened fire, striking a police officer in the shoulder. The injured officer was rushed to a hospital in Reading and is currently listed in stable condition.
After the initial exchange of gunfire, Ecker barricaded himself inside the house, prompting a major law enforcement response. Units from SWAT West and officers from neighboring departments arrived at the scene, and crisis negotiators began efforts to de-escalate the situation. Negotiations were made with help from a family member, but Ecker refused to surrender.
At approximately 10:45 p.m., the standoff came to a deadly conclusion when Ecker was shot and killed. Authorities have not yet released details regarding what led to the fatal use of force.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has launched a full investigation into the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting. Officials have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation continues. The community is left shaken, but authorities say they are committed to transparency as they work to uncover exactly what happened during the hours-long standoff.